NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Some car companies are trying to lend a hand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Help with car loans isn’t part of the government's coronavirus relief package, so it will be up to companies to figure out how to help customers.
For example, Hyundai and Genesis are offering six months payment relief. Mitsubishi is offering four months, Kia is offering three, and Honda and Acura are offering two.
The auto website Edmunds says just be honest about your situation and banks can work with you.
"Nobody wants to foreclose on your car, so really it’s about having a sensible conversation, explaining the position you find yourself in and then looking at the options available,” said Alistair Weaver, Edmunds’ editor-in-chief.
This doesn't mean you're getting out of paying for those months. They'll just be added to the end of your loan term.
The good news is if you do have to defer payments, it won't hurt your credit.
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
